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US Marshal Dirk Sterling #5
Pursuit
A US MARSHAL THRILLER
When a former Army Ranger Ian McCallum turned contract killer, escapes FBI custody and disappears into the remote wilderness of Montana, Deputy U.S. Marshal Dirk Sterling is sent to track him down. But this isn’t an everyday fugitive hunt—McCallum is racing toward the Canadian border to meet a contact who can make him disappear forever. If he gets out of the country, he’ll vanish along with classified military secrets that could put countless lives at risk. Dirk must stop him—but he’s not the only one hunting. Rival agencies, ruthless bounty hunters, and a private black-ops team all have their own reasons for wanting McCallum, and they don’t care who gets in their way.
Back in Billings, Dirk’s fiancé, Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Emory Grey uncovers a devastating McCallum’s escape wasn’t pure luck. Someone inside the one of the federal agencies helped him get away. When Emory starts digging too deep, she becomes the next target. Dirk is forced to make an impossible choice—stay on McCallum’s trail or race back to protect his new family and the woman he loves.
When a former Army Ranger Ian McCallum turned contract killer, escapes FBI custody and disappears into the remote wilderness of Montana, Deputy U.S. Marshal Dirk Sterling is sent to track him down. But this isn’t an everyday fugitive hunt—McCallum is racing toward the Canadian border to meet a contact who can make him disappear forever. If he gets out of the country, he’ll vanish along with classified military secrets that could put countless lives at risk. Dirk must stop him—but he’s not the only one hunting. Rival agencies, ruthless bounty hunters, and a private black-ops team all have their own reasons for wanting McCallum, and they don’t care who gets in their way.
Back in Billings, Dirk’s fiancé, Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Emory Grey uncovers a devastating McCallum’s escape wasn’t pure luck. Someone inside the one of the federal agencies helped him get away. When Emory starts digging too deep, she becomes the next target. Dirk is forced to make an impossible choice—stay on McCallum’s trail or race back to protect his new family and the woman he loves.
- GenresMystery
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2026
About the author
Jodi Burnett
35 books381 followersJodi Burnett is a Colorado native and a mountain girl at heart. She loves writing Mystery and Suspense Thrillers from her small ranch southeast of Denver, where she lives with her husband and their two big dogs. There she dotes on her horses, complains about her cows, and writes to create a home for her imaginings. Burnett is a member of Novelists, Inc. and Sisters in Crime. Connect with Jodi at jodi@jodi-burnett.com, on Facebook @ JodiBurnettAuthor, on Instagram @ JodiBurnettAuthor, or on Twitter @ Jodi_writes. Get free books by Burnett on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 17, 2026
PURSUIT - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Jodie Burnett's PURSUIT has a thrilling, (and at times spine-chilling) action-packed storyline, as a rogue ex-Army Ranger wanted for treason is hunted by US Marshal, Dirk Stirling.
The contrast between the two men is well-written and fully-engaging, as are the storylines and the realistic characters.
Back at home Chief Emory Grey, (Dirk's fiancée) their three adopted kids, and Deputy Hank with his complicated family life, all face danger when those behind the plot are revealed.
The 'cherry on the cake' for me was Dirk and Emory's HEA, which made me quite emotional. Enjoy PURSUIT for yourself - and tell all your friends to get it too!
Jodie Burnett's PURSUIT has a thrilling, (and at times spine-chilling) action-packed storyline, as a rogue ex-Army Ranger wanted for treason is hunted by US Marshal, Dirk Stirling.
The contrast between the two men is well-written and fully-engaging, as are the storylines and the realistic characters.
Back at home Chief Emory Grey, (Dirk's fiancée) their three adopted kids, and Deputy Hank with his complicated family life, all face danger when those behind the plot are revealed.
The 'cherry on the cake' for me was Dirk and Emory's HEA, which made me quite emotional. Enjoy PURSUIT for yourself - and tell all your friends to get it too!
February 17, 2026
I have (so far) read only two of the several series that Jodi Burnett writes – the K9 series featuring a cop and her dog, Renegade, and the U(nited) S(tates) M(arshals) S(ervice) series featuring Emory Grey and Dirk Stirling. Emory is actually Dirk’s boss but in a previous book, when three children who were in the WitSec program are left without a family, it was Dirk who opted to take in the children. Emory, who by then was officially his girlfriend, agrees and that gave him the courage to propose to Emory who had gone along with the rescue of the kids, and this book, the fifth in this series, continues the whole new family, new relationships theme, complicated by the pursuit of an really, really bad guy who is on the run from the FBI and would just as soon kill people he encounters as look at them, resulting in an edge-of-the-seat reading experience. Once I started reading Pursuit, I literally could not stop and finished it in a few hours. The trials and tribulations of the USMS in tracking down the killer are almost over the top but make sense given the circumstances. I really enjoyed the book. Ms. Burnett is a terrific writer and there is a certain authenticity about the K9 officers and the U.S. Marshal Service that just make it clear that this is the way things are in the lives of the bad boys and the good ones who bring them to justice. I heartily recommend any books by this author and plan to start reading the others of her series. And while each book is able to stand alone, it really helps to have read the previous one in each series. Thanks, Jodi, for a wonderful book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you regularly read my reviews, you know that I have read all of Jodi Burnett’s books, starting with her first series, her Flint River trilogy that she published in 2019. The temporary suspension of disbelief, the key to every great read, is never an issue with any of Jodi’s books because she keeps it real in every way. All her series are action-packed, adrenaline-fueled roller coaster thrill rides, where the action is equally divided between the character’s personal and professional lives. Just as in real life, one cannot be separated from the other. Jodi’s Flint River series is her foundational series because in it we meet and get to know all the characters that we will encounter through all her series to follow.
All her books/series are packed with blood, guts, romance, and family conflict. Jodi writes with everyone in mind, the hard-boiled adrenalins jockeys, like me, and the romantics too. Her books appeal to every reader no matter what their gender. Although the character’s personal stories are built from one book to the next, the books can still be read in any order and enjoyed, but to get the maximum enjoyment from these series, the books need to be read in the order in which Burnett wrote them, beginning with her first trilogy, the Flint River Series.
Read Jodi Burnett books, you’ll love her stories and her characters.
All her books/series are packed with blood, guts, romance, and family conflict. Jodi writes with everyone in mind, the hard-boiled adrenalins jockeys, like me, and the romantics too. Her books appeal to every reader no matter what their gender. Although the character’s personal stories are built from one book to the next, the books can still be read in any order and enjoyed, but to get the maximum enjoyment from these series, the books need to be read in the order in which Burnett wrote them, beginning with her first trilogy, the Flint River Series.
Read Jodi Burnett books, you’ll love her stories and her characters.
February 18, 2026
Deputy U.S. Marshal Dirk Sterling is working with his fiancée, Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Emory Gray to foster three children who were left homeless after one of their recent cases. They hope to adopt them as they are also planning their upcoming wedding. When an urgent case takes over their lives, Dirk goes after a former Army Ranger, and killer, who has plans to sell classified military secrets that could lead to the deaths of soldiers. Meanwhile, Emory is working the intel on Dirk’s case as to who is behind the leak of confidential information. When she believes that someone might be threatening the children, she calls in extra security to keep them safe. The hunt for the man will test Dirk’s skill at survival as he follows the trail through the winter wilderness. Will he be able to find and stop the man, or will his life end in the snowy wilderness? When Emory is threatened, she continues to delve into how the intel was stolen. Someone at a high level in law enforcement must helped him, someone who she knows will do what they need to remain undetected. This entire series is amazing, a must read, with continuing characters who put their lives on the line for their country! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
February 18, 2026
‘Pursuit’ was riveting. The thrilling plot involved an ex-Delta Force undesirable felon on the run, intrigue, espionage, getting ready for a wedding, U.S. Marshalls on the hunt, doing intel, the felon doing more felonious deeds, a strange snap from Snapchat, coping with a divorced bi-polar wife not taking her meds, caring for a baby, shots being fired, oh no…running into some bounty hunters, an attempted suicide, more bullets flying, being driven off the road, meeting with the opposition, trying to figure out who had been helping the felon, oh no…the tables were turned, young romance, determination, figuring out the crew involved in espionage, a man on a continued mission, more shooting, making up a family story, and what an ending!
Additionally, I liked the author’s writing style: well-written and engaging characters, awesome cold-filled then snow-filled settings, an action-driven storyline, bits of humor, vivid descriptions which created a tension-filled tone. Also, I received a copy for free and am giving my honest review voluntarily. Overall, I liked the pulsating narrative. Oh, my!
Additionally, I liked the author’s writing style: well-written and engaging characters, awesome cold-filled then snow-filled settings, an action-driven storyline, bits of humor, vivid descriptions which created a tension-filled tone. Also, I received a copy for free and am giving my honest review voluntarily. Overall, I liked the pulsating narrative. Oh, my!
February 17, 2026
PURSUIT (US Marshal Dirk Sterling Book 5), my twenty-third read from author Jodi Burnett, who is one of my favorite authors. Burnett hits another out of the park with this one. This book continues the trend of well-written, enjoyable books, it caught my attention in the opening pages & I never put it down until completed! So much happened between the end of WITSEC and this book I had to go back and re-red the end of that book to be sure I hadn't missed something. Burnett has created a complete world in which her primary characters interact with an ever-expanding world of repeat characters, some very familiar from her other series and at times crossing over, but not in this book until the epilogue. "I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more in this series & more from this author, and look forward to SURVIVAL (Tin Star K9 Series Book 10) due out in September of 2026, it's already on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
February 17, 2026
Deputy US Marshal Dirk Sterling is hot on the trail of Ian McCallum, a fugitive running for the Canadian border. If he gets into Canada, chances of capturing him and bringing him to justice will disappear, along with the classified military documents he has in his possession. Dirk was supposed to have backup, but things didn’t go as planned, and he finds he’s not the only one searching for McCallum.
Back in Montana, Dirk’s fiancé/boss, Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Emory Grey, believes McCallum had help when he escaped and begins a search to determine who might have helped him. She’s shocked at what she discovers. Emory finds herself in danger along with the three foster children she and Dirk have been caring for.
A fast-paced, nail-biting, suspense-filled, edge-of-your-seat thriller. I read it in one sitting. I love this series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Back in Montana, Dirk’s fiancé/boss, Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Emory Grey, believes McCallum had help when he escaped and begins a search to determine who might have helped him. She’s shocked at what she discovers. Emory finds herself in danger along with the three foster children she and Dirk have been caring for.
A fast-paced, nail-biting, suspense-filled, edge-of-your-seat thriller. I read it in one sitting. I love this series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 18, 2026
Jodi Burnett does it again. Pursuit was an excellent read. The story was a fast paced thrill ride that kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning.
I like how the story line in this book continues seamlessly from the last book. Even though Dirk is the main character that the story revolves around, Emory’s character is strong enough to not get lost in the background and Hank and Teresa remain solid characters as well.
This book had a lot of suspense, twists and turns. Even though Dirk is primarily by himself in this story, it kept you on edge no knowing what would happen next. There was also a second storyline taking place in the background involving one of the children that they are taking care of.
I enjoyed the suspense filled plot and not being able to figure out what was happening until the very end.
I like how the story line in this book continues seamlessly from the last book. Even though Dirk is the main character that the story revolves around, Emory’s character is strong enough to not get lost in the background and Hank and Teresa remain solid characters as well.
This book had a lot of suspense, twists and turns. Even though Dirk is primarily by himself in this story, it kept you on edge no knowing what would happen next. There was also a second storyline taking place in the background involving one of the children that they are taking care of.
I enjoyed the suspense filled plot and not being able to figure out what was happening until the very end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was delighted to receive an advance copy of this latest Dirk Sterling thriller by Jodi Burnett. I flew through it.
The pacing is fast and the tension never really lets up, especially during the manhunt through Montana. I loved how it wasn’t just a straight chase—there’s a lot of layered danger here, from rival agencies to the uncomfortable realization that someone inside the system may have helped the bad guy escape.
Burnett did an excellent job with the split focus between Dirk in the field and Emory back in Billings, keeping the stakes high on both fronts. It added a nice emotional punch to the action and made the choices the characters faced feel real.
A solid, gripping thriller that kept me hooked and eager to see what would happen next. I highly recommend this one.
The pacing is fast and the tension never really lets up, especially during the manhunt through Montana. I loved how it wasn’t just a straight chase—there’s a lot of layered danger here, from rival agencies to the uncomfortable realization that someone inside the system may have helped the bad guy escape.
Burnett did an excellent job with the split focus between Dirk in the field and Emory back in Billings, keeping the stakes high on both fronts. It added a nice emotional punch to the action and made the choices the characters faced feel real.
A solid, gripping thriller that kept me hooked and eager to see what would happen next. I highly recommend this one.
February 21, 2026
Wow, this one had me flipping pages, my emotions and my stomach all on a roll. Pursuit is book 5 and even if it can be read as a standalone I highly recommend you treat yourself and start with the first US Marshall Dirk Sterling. There is a lot of growth in all the characters between 1 and 5. Thank you for the arc, I am sharing my honest thoughts and opinions. Pursuit was running full out and delivered in every way that matters to me. Characters well rounded that you care about. A plot that takes you on a range of emotions and an author who always leaves you waiting for the next one with bated breath. Pursuit released February 17th and was in two words *suspenseful thriller* #Pursuit #USMarshallDirkSterling #JodiBurnett #SDGPublishing #Bookfunnel
February 23, 2026
What would you do if you were asked to track down a traitor and your wedding date was this weekend?
For Dirk and his fiance who is also his boss, the decision is made to assist the other agencies and go for it.
It becomes twisted when the ranger that is paired with him has to stay behind to find a missing child and Dirk needs to do things on his own.
And at home, there is trouble when his fiance and adopted children are threatened and their house attacked.
Luckily, being prepared is Emily's background and, when the two things are tied together, the ending gives you the feeling that there is more to come in the future. You will have to read to the end to know if the marriage takes place or not.
For Dirk and his fiance who is also his boss, the decision is made to assist the other agencies and go for it.
It becomes twisted when the ranger that is paired with him has to stay behind to find a missing child and Dirk needs to do things on his own.
And at home, there is trouble when his fiance and adopted children are threatened and their house attacked.
Luckily, being prepared is Emily's background and, when the two things are tied together, the ending gives you the feeling that there is more to come in the future. You will have to read to the end to know if the marriage takes place or not.
March 22, 2026
A terrific series
It seems as though this was the last book in this series, according to the authors notes at the end. I really hope that there will be more books in the series, as I have really enjoyed reading this. I'd also love to see more stories in the Tin Star K9 series as well! One can always hope!
This was an intense, complex, suspenseful, and intriguing story with many unexpected twists that will hook you until the end. I loved the surprise characters that were included at the end! It's a definite must read book and series.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
It seems as though this was the last book in this series, according to the authors notes at the end. I really hope that there will be more books in the series, as I have really enjoyed reading this. I'd also love to see more stories in the Tin Star K9 series as well! One can always hope!
This was an intense, complex, suspenseful, and intriguing story with many unexpected twists that will hook you until the end. I loved the surprise characters that were included at the end! It's a definite must read book and series.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
April 4, 2026
Kirk is left up to his own resources when he is sequestered to be on a joint action team to find a traitor in the wilds of the mountain. His usual back-up team are not invited nor can they help from a distance and his assigned partner is pulled at the last minute. His, Dirk's, best skills are now put to test, alone in the wilderness, against a man with the sameskill sets he was trained with.
Kirk has a short timetable. His pending wedding, the mountain, the weather, the Canadian border, and his potentially life threatening injuries.
Life back at home, unbeknownst to him, are almost as bad as all hands are on deck caught up in their own life threatening dangers too.
Kirk has a short timetable. His pending wedding, the mountain, the weather, the Canadian border, and his potentially life threatening injuries.
Life back at home, unbeknownst to him, are almost as bad as all hands are on deck caught up in their own life threatening dangers too.
Review of advance copy received from Author
PURSUIT is a Superb story that I could not put down and was full of action with many twists and turns. Ian McCallum a disgraced ex-special forces operator and now a contract killer who is on the run. Deputy US Marshal Dirk Sterling is requested to work with FBI to track him. Unfortunately while doing this there are frightening events happening also at home as their three foster children are under witness protection.
Will Dirk succeed in his quest to capture Ian McCallum?
Excellent story and series that I enjoyed reading very much and I highly recommend that you read.
Will Dirk succeed in his quest to capture Ian McCallum?
Excellent story and series that I enjoyed reading very much and I highly recommend that you read.
February 17, 2026
Ms Burnett has another hit in this addition to her Dirk Sterling series. This book has every element a great story should have, filled with pulse pounding action and suspense, with multiple plot lines that are also filled with drama, and your favorite team of characters working seamlessly together. And in the background, a wedding is soon approaching. The characters are once again portrayed brilliantly, and the obstacles that they need to overcome are crafted wonderfully. I was hooked from page one. I received a complimentary ARC, but I am voluntarily offering my personal opinion.
February 21, 2026
I’m a sucker for a good cat and mouse story, but adding the classified military secrets and the race to the border really raised the stakes. The dual perspective worked perfectly; while Dirk is out there dealing with rival bounty hunters in the Montana wilderness, Emory is back in Billings uncovering a conspiracy that actually felt dangerous.
The tension between Dirk’s duty to the Marshals and his need to protect his family was handled so well. It’s a fast-paced, one-more-chapter kind of read that was entertaining from start to finish.
The tension between Dirk’s duty to the Marshals and his need to protect his family was handled so well. It’s a fast-paced, one-more-chapter kind of read that was entertaining from start to finish.
February 24, 2026
I will enjoy reading wherever this story goes
This book has quite a few aspects to it. It’s like 4 different stories in the same book. I really enjoyed reading this book, even though there were no dogs in it! It also has more violent scenes throughout the book. It has the potential to have several different series take off from this one book. I look forward to seeing where it takes us.
This book has quite a few aspects to it. It’s like 4 different stories in the same book. I really enjoyed reading this book, even though there were no dogs in it! It also has more violent scenes throughout the book. It has the potential to have several different series take off from this one book. I look forward to seeing where it takes us.
April 2, 2026
A Deadly Pursuit
A killer and traitor escapes FBI custody, setting off a deadly chase—and putting Emory, the woman Dirk loves, directly in harm’s way as she works to uncover how he got out. Meanwhile, Dirk is tracking the fugitive through the wilderness, facing life-threatening danger and relentless bounty hunters. Tension mounts as their paths converge and the chase comes to a head.
Action-packed and suspenseful, this thriller keeps you turning pages from start to finish.
A killer and traitor escapes FBI custody, setting off a deadly chase—and putting Emory, the woman Dirk loves, directly in harm’s way as she works to uncover how he got out. Meanwhile, Dirk is tracking the fugitive through the wilderness, facing life-threatening danger and relentless bounty hunters. Tension mounts as their paths converge and the chase comes to a head.
Action-packed and suspenseful, this thriller keeps you turning pages from start to finish.
February 8, 2026
A race against time has Deputy US Marshal Dirk Sterling on the track of Ian McCallum . There is more than meets the eye with his work cut out for him. Lost of suspense in this fast-pace thriller which has you captivated from the start. A superb read which is unputdownable. I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It's hard to make lifetime plans when you are on 24/7. How can you make a deadline when the country needs you, and needs you now? How can you make a family work? These are the problems that Dirk and Emory must wrestle today and every day. Even worse situations outside of their control impose the limits and stretch them to their limits.
Dirk will find that he needs more than he has. Will it be enough to make his work and family? Read along as he struggles to solve this latest problem in the most inhospitable of places near him. It's never enough for only him to be challenged, Emory will face her own set as she tries to make a family out of the life they find themselves in. They do make a family with their adopted ones, a family created from an unreasonable start.
There are more people involved in this scheme than at first appears, but how could it have been any different? To pull off this level of scheme requires involvement at the highest levels. The good news is that Emory and Dirk are not afraid to go there. The bad news is the toll on their family.
Dirk will find that he needs more than he has. Will it be enough to make his work and family? Read along as he struggles to solve this latest problem in the most inhospitable of places near him. It's never enough for only him to be challenged, Emory will face her own set as she tries to make a family out of the life they find themselves in. They do make a family with their adopted ones, a family created from an unreasonable start.
There are more people involved in this scheme than at first appears, but how could it have been any different? To pull off this level of scheme requires involvement at the highest levels. The good news is that Emory and Dirk are not afraid to go there. The bad news is the toll on their family.
March 3, 2026
Another good read
Jodi Burnett always delivers a great adventure with lots of twists and turns. While Dirk and Emory search for a traitor, things at home heat up with their new family who is in Witness protection. The other characters in the book all have their own trying times as well.
A dangerous man hunt threatens to cancel a wedding.
Onwards to a new adventure!
Jodi Burnett always delivers a great adventure with lots of twists and turns. While Dirk and Emory search for a traitor, things at home heat up with their new family who is in Witness protection. The other characters in the book all have their own trying times as well.
A dangerous man hunt threatens to cancel a wedding.
Onwards to a new adventure!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was thrilled to receive an Arc copy of this book. I couldn't wait to continue to read the life of US Marshall Dirk Sterling, another thrilling chase of ex military gone rogue, whilst trying to protect his instant family he gain from his last case.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As US Marshals Dirk & Emory get ready for their wedding, Dirk is assigned to hunt down a former Army Ranger selling US secrets. A fast paced read that is a real page turner. Will Dirk find his suspect & make it to his wedding? So much action, you won’t be disappointed in this one!
February 17, 2026
This fast-paced, action-packed thriller has drama, danger, great secondary characters, and defined MCs who are likable, engaging, determined, intelligent, and capable. I found this storyline entertaining, addictive, and enjoyable. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
February 19, 2026
Delayed wedding
This writer has another great book. This series always keeps you on the edge waiting for the next scary event. In this one., a man with stolen screams heads for Canada with Dirk right on his heels. Lots of action.
This writer has another great book. This series always keeps you on the edge waiting for the next scary event. In this one., a man with stolen screams heads for Canada with Dirk right on his heels. Lots of action.
February 20, 2026
Great finale
This was an action packed read and an awesome wrap up for the character Dirk and his family! I highly recommend this book to anyone who has read the other books in the series. If you haven't read this series - do yourself a favor and do so!
This was an action packed read and an awesome wrap up for the character Dirk and his family! I highly recommend this book to anyone who has read the other books in the series. If you haven't read this series - do yourself a favor and do so!
March 17, 2026
MARshalltoWn Sterling #5
Another really good US Marshall mystery. In this one Dirk is sent to try to capture a vet who was attempting to sell government secret information. A good amount of suspense in this one.
Another really good US Marshall mystery. In this one Dirk is sent to try to capture a vet who was attempting to sell government secret information. A good amount of suspense in this one.
May 11, 2026
Another great read from Jodi Burnett. From the first chapter there is a lot going on. With Dirk on the hunt and Emory back at home there is so much action. I loved every minute of it and was so sorry when it ended. So I'll be watching for the next one for sure.
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW this is an extremely well written book that I couldn't put down. It is full of action from start to finish, with a great ending.
February 17, 2026
Another edge-of-your-seat story by an author that weaves her story threads into a tapestry with such a tight weave of tension and action on multiple fronts that you can’t put her books done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews